The Singles Scene – 6-1-22

The Singles Scene

by Sarah Smart

Q.  Recently, I discovered via the Internet that my boyfriend is a convicted felon who’s done time for sexual assault and aggravated battery with an ex-girlfriend.  He’s always had a bad temper, and now I know about his background, I’m ready to move away from him.  But I’m afraid of him and I don’t know how to tell him.  What would you do?

A.  Considering the climate for harm, I would dump him creatively.  I would make up a tale of sudden mental/anguish, i.e., depression/anxiety issues that puts me in an unhealthy state and therefore prohibits me from continuing in a relationship.  I would explain that I was contemplating therapy and I needed out of the relationship to focus on “getting well.”  In this case, the truth could have dangerous results.

Q:   I discovered by accident that my future brother-in-law, (my sister’s fiancée) whom I’ve never trusted, is secretly involved (very much) with an ex-girlfriend and has a child with her.  He told my sister that he had no children.  When I confronted him about what I learned, he became angry and slammed the phone in my face.  That was three weeks ago, and my sister hasn’t heard from him since.  They were scheduled to be married next month and she spends her days and nights crying and asking why he deserted her.  I feel so guilty, but I can’t bring myself to tell her the truth.  What would you do?

A.  I’d tell her, and take her out of her misery.  Once she finds out why he suddenly disappeared, her tears will eventually dry up.  But you’re doing her an injustice by not being forthcoming with the truth.  She probably has more strength than you imagine.

Got a problem or a confession?  We’ve got the answer.  Send us your scenarios regarding The Single Life to beingsinglemagazine@gmail.com and put SingleScenes in the subject line.